Dietary Counseling and Weight Control for Pets
The secondary medical problems as a result of excess body fat is one of the leading causes of shortened life spans.
Obesity
Obesity
Refers to an excessive accumulation of fat in the body
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is a leading cause of shortened
life spans for our pets due to the many secondary medical problems
that excess body fat can cause. Just like humans, animals can
develop
diabetes
Diabetes
In animals, we most commonly refer to diabetes mellitus - a broad
term encompassing a complex group of syndromes that have in common a
disturbance in the body’s ability to process and use glucose.
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,
liver disease, heart disease, difficulty breathing
and exercising, as well as joint problems such as arthritis. These
are just a few of the conditions that can lead to a decreased quality
of life for overweight pets. While we recognize that giving our pets
treats can be one of the ways we strengthen our bond with them, our
veterinarians can provide you with alternative methods of positive
reinforcement for training and rewarding your pet.
We encourage all pets to stop by for routine weight checks to track their progress, even if they are not on a weight loss plan. Just as with humans, consistency with a healthy diet and exercise program will lead to the best results for weight loss and maintenance.
It may be necessary to separate your pets during feeding time.
Our veterinarians recommend feeding your pet with a measuring cup in the morning and evening to ensure that everyone in the household is giving the same amount of food. If you have a multi-pet household, it may be necessary to separate your pets when it is time to eat, and to make sure any remaining food has been taken up before they come back together.
Often, simply cutting back on high calorie treats or human food that your pet is getting is the key to helping them lose weight. We encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss a weight loss/ maintenance plan tailored specifically for your pet with one of our veterinarians.
